Two thirds of private journeys in Shanghai are still made by two-wheeled vehicles, with bicycles and scooters being enormously popular modes of transport, not to mention cheap to buy and run. Bikes constantly battle for space with cars, buses and pedestrians on the city’s streets. The limited bicycle lanes that do exist are not cordoned off, making them popular haunts for scooters, overtaking taxis or pedestrians trying to escape the crowded pavements. Central Puxi is very accessible by bike, but cycling further afield, to Pudong for example, is difficult, as major tunnels do not allow cyclists to enter.

You should arm yourself with a decent bike lock as theft is very common, and buying a cheap bike (preferably in an inconspicuous colour) is also advisable. Wearing a helmet is highly recommended too.

If you do find yourself in an accident, be aware that there is no defining law on where you stand. Both sides should argue their point to the traffic policeman who will arrive on the scene within 30 minutes. By this time crowds will have inevitably formed, and if the other party is a local, be prepared for the majority to take their side in the matter.­­­­